Latest news with #Kuznetsov
Economic Times
a day ago
- General
- Economic Times
Admiral Kuznetsov, Russia's only aircraft carrier, set to be scrapped after years of setbacks
Getty Images Admiral Kuznetsov, Russia's only aircraft carrier Russia appears on the brink of officially retiring and scrapping its only aircraft carrier, the troubled Admiral Kuznetsov, marking a historic turning point for the Russian Navy. After years of costly, accident-ridden refits and modernization efforts, Russian officials are now openly discussing abandoning the decades-old warship, which has been plagued by mechanical failures, fires, and missed deadlines. The Admiral Kuznetsov , launched in 1990 and commissioned in 1995, has served as the flagship of the Russian Navy for nearly three decades. However, its operational history has been marred by chronic breakdowns and high-profile accidents. The carrier's inefficient Mazut-fueled engines produced thick black smoke, making it easily visible at sea and requiring frequent maintenance. Its endurance was limited to just 45 days, and it often needed tugboat escorts during deployments due to the risk of mechanical failure. Since July 2018, the Kuznetsov has been confined to dry dock for an ambitious overhaul that has been anything but smooth. The ship suffered a deadly fire in 2019, a crane collapse on its flight deck, and persistent delays due to technical problems and alleged embezzlement of original plan was to return the carrier to service by 2022, but the timeline slipped repeatedly, with the latest projections suggesting a possible return in 2025—a goal that now looks increasingly unlikely. According to Russian state media and sources cited by Izvestia (national newspaper of Russia), work on the Admiral Kuznetsov has been suspended, and high-level discussions are underway between the Russian Navy's High Command and the United Shipbuilding Corporation (USC) about whether to officially retire and scrap the vessel. The ship has not seen active service since 2017, and even if repairs were completed, many experts believe it would be hopelessly outdated compared to modern naval threats. Admiral Sergei Avakyants, former commander of the Pacific Fleet, publicly stated that retiring the Kuznetsov is 'absolutely the right move,' calling it 'a very expensive and ineffective naval weapon.' He argued that the future of naval warfare lies with robotic systems and unmanned aircraft, not traditional aircraft carriers. The scrapping of the Admiral Kuznetsov would leave Russia without an operational aircraft carrier for the first time since the Soviet era, effectively making it a 'no-carrier' navy. While some Russian analysts and officials argue for building a new, modern carrier—potentially equipped for drone operations—there is skepticism about whether Russia can afford such a project, especially given the ongoing war in Ukraine and competing military prioritie
Time of India
2 days ago
- Sport
- Time of India
Evgeny Kuznetsov's NHL return hits roadblock as Montreal Canadiens bow out
Photo byEvgeny Kuznetsov's hopes of a seamless return to the NHL for the 2025–26 season have hit a significant obstacle, with the Montreal Canadiens officially backing out of negotiations. The 33-year-old forward, who spent last season with SKA Saint Petersburg in the KHL before his contract was terminated in April, has been clear about one thing: he will not accept any tryout offers. Instead, he's seeking a guaranteed one-year NHL deal. While Montreal was widely rumored to be the frontrunner, his agent has confirmed they won't be offering a contract—leaving Kuznetsov to explore other options in North America. Evgeny Kuznetsov rejects tryout offers, continues NHL comeback talks after Montreal Canadiens withdraw Speculation about Evgeny Kuznetsov joining the Montreal Canadiens had built steadily in recent weeks, but that talk ended abruptly. Speaking with La Page Sportive, Kuznetsov's agent confirmed Montreal's position, stating the team 'informed them they won't be offering a contract,' effectively closing that door for good. Kuznetsov, who played the 2024–25 season in Russia's KHL, produced 37 points with SKA Saint Petersburg before his four-year contract was terminated in April. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Ditch the cinema with boAt Boat Buy Now Undo That move appeared to set the stage for an NHL comeback, sparking league-wide interest in adding an experienced scorer. But Kuznetsov has taken a firm stance against tryout offers, prioritizing a guaranteed one-year NHL deal instead. His approach has generated strong opinions, with some fans calling the move arrogant. Still, his camp insists it's a reasonable demand for a player with a proven record. His agent, Shumi Babaev, explained the reasoning behind this strategy, saying: '(Kuznetsov) asked for my opinion, and I've always said that the NHL is where he belongs. Not because there are no offers from Russia—there are. And honestly, he'd still be one of the best players in the KHL. But right now, the focus is on returning to the NHL.' Despite his age, Kuznetsov's career stats remain impressive. Over 723 NHL games, mainly with the Washington Capitals, he registered 568 points, including 173 goals and 402 assists. He also delivered in the playoffs with 73 points across 97 games and helped the Capitals secure a Stanley Cup. Babaev highlighted his client's ongoing value even after a short KHL stint, stating last week: 'Even at 60–70% of his usual level, he was still one of the top players in the KHL.' He also suggested that around ten NHL teams might be suitable fits, noting: 'I think we could have clarity within a couple of weeks.' What's next for Evgeny Kuznetsov's NHL comeback after Montreal Canadiens exit? With the Montreal Canadiens out of the picture, Evgeny Kuznetsov's quest for an NHL comeback now depends on talks with other teams willing to meet his terms. His agent's confidence in securing the right opportunity remains unshaken, as Kuznetsov continues to prioritize North American ice over returning to Russia. For now, fans and teams alike will be watching closely to see where the seasoned forward lands next. Also Read: Jeff Skinner signs $3 million contract with San Jose Sharks as veteran forward eyes NHL comeback For real-time updates, scores, and highlights, follow our live coverage of the India vs England Test match here. Catch Manika Batra's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 3. Watch Here!
Time of India
2 days ago
- General
- Time of India
Admiral Kuznetsov, Russia's only aircraft carrier, set to be scrapped after years of setbacks
Russia appears on the brink of officially retiring and scrapping its only aircraft carrier, the troubled Admiral Kuznetsov , marking a historic turning point for the Russian Navy . After years of costly, accident-ridden refits and modernization efforts, Russian officials are now openly discussing abandoning the decades-old warship, which has been plagued by mechanical failures, fires, and missed deadlines. The Admiral Kuznetsov , launched in 1990 and commissioned in 1995, has served as the flagship of the Russian Navy for nearly three decades. However, its operational history has been marred by chronic breakdowns and high-profile accidents. The carrier's inefficient Mazut-fueled engines produced thick black smoke, making it easily visible at sea and requiring frequent maintenance. Its endurance was limited to just 45 days, and it often needed tugboat escorts during deployments due to the risk of mechanical failure. Since July 2018, the Kuznetsov has been confined to dry dock for an ambitious overhaul that has been anything but smooth. The ship suffered a deadly fire in 2019, a crane collapse on its flight deck, and persistent delays due to technical problems and alleged embezzlement of original plan was to return the carrier to service by 2022, but the timeline slipped repeatedly, with the latest projections suggesting a possible return in 2025—a goal that now looks increasingly unlikely. Suspension of repairs and scrapping talks According to Russian state media and sources cited by Izvestia (national newspaper of Russia), work on the Admiral Kuznetsov has been suspended, and high-level discussions are underway between the Russian Navy's High Command and the United Shipbuilding Corporation (USC) about whether to officially retire and scrap the vessel. The ship has not seen active service since 2017, and even if repairs were completed, many experts believe it would be hopelessly outdated compared to modern naval threats. Admiral Sergei Avakyants, former commander of the Pacific Fleet, publicly stated that retiring the Kuznetsov is 'absolutely the right move,' calling it 'a very expensive and ineffective naval weapon.' He argued that the future of naval warfare lies with robotic systems and unmanned aircraft, not traditional aircraft carriers. Live Events The scrapping of the Admiral Kuznetsov would leave Russia without an operational aircraft carrier for the first time since the Soviet era , effectively making it a 'no-carrier' navy. While some Russian analysts and officials argue for building a new, modern carrier—potentially equipped for drone operations—there is skepticism about whether Russia can afford such a project, especially given the ongoing war in Ukraine and competing military prioritie
Scottish Sun
3 days ago
- Politics
- Scottish Sun
Putin's ONLY rustbucket aircraft carrier that limped through Channel in pathetic show of force ‘to finally be scrapped'
'The aircraft carrier is already a fading era. It is a very expensive and inefficient naval weapon' FLOATING EMBARASSMENT Putin's ONLY rustbucket aircraft carrier that limped through Channel in pathetic show of force 'to finally be scrapped' VLADIMIR Putin's only rustbucket aircraft carrier that struggled through the Channel is poised to be scrapped after seven years of failed repairs. Work on the hulking Admiral Kuznetsov has been suspended with reports suggesting the vessel is doomed for the scrapheap. Advertisement 7 Russian aircraft carrier Admiral Kuznetsov in the English Channel Credit: EPA 7 The rust bucket is said to be doomed for the scrap heap Credit: AFP or licensors 7 The vessel has been dubbed Putin's 'Ship of Shame' Credit: Reuters 7 Putin's 'Ship of Shame' has played no role in the war against Ukraine and has instead been languishing in the grim Arctic port of Murmansk, in northwestern Russia. It's believed the rust bucket - Putin's only aircraft carrier - will never set sail again, as 1,500 crew members were quietly sent to fight in the war instead. Former Pacific Fleet commander Admiral Sergey Avakyants applauded the decision to cease repairs, calling the vessel an "expensive" and "inefficient" naval weapon. He said today: 'The aircraft carrier is already a fading era. Advertisement 'It is a very expensive and inefficient naval weapon. 'The future belongs to carriers of robotic complexes and unmanned aviation. 'If the decision is made not to continue repairs the Admiral Kuznetsov should just be taken, cut up for scrap, and disposed of." The ship was inherited by the Kremlin from the USSR and has a history of malfunctions, said Russian media. Advertisement According to the report, it underwent repairs in 2018 after a trip to Syria and its future has remained "unclear" ever since. Reports said: 'Misfortunes continue to haunt the heavy aircraft carrier Admiral Kuznetsov, the only aircraft carrier in the Russian fleet that the Kremlin inherited from the USSR. Second huge cargo ship is attacked and SUNK by Houthi rebels in deadly Red Sea raid 'Having been put under repair in 2018 after a voyage to the shores of Syria, Admiral Kuznetsov was never able to return to service on time, and its future remains unclear.' The decrepit battleship, that has been described as the pride and joy of the Russian Northern fleet, set sail on its maiden voyage 40 years ago and has been involved in naval convoys passing the British coast. Advertisement It used to carry up to 28 planes (Su-33 and MiG-29) and 17 helicopters (Ka-52K and Ka-27), and was armed with P-700 Granit missiles. But in 2019 and 2022, the vessel was struck by two separate fires whilst undergoing works - causing millions of pounds worth of damage. When the Admiral Kuznetsov came to the English Channel The Admiral Kuznetsov "sulked" past the UK on its way back to Russia from Syria in 2017. UK Defence Secretary Michael Fallon dubbed the carrier a "ship of shame" as the vessel and its task group was escorted by a Royal Navy frigate and jets. Britain sent HMS St Albans and Typhoon fighters to monitor the ship and "provide reassurance" to countries bordering the North Sea and English Channel. Fallon said: "We are man-marking these vessels every step of the way around the UK as part of our steadfast commitment to keep Britain safe." Cmdr Chris Ansell, in command of HMS St Albans, said: 'This tasking demonstrates the Royal Navy's commitment to protecting our home waters and readiness to undertake short notice operations. 'The movements of the Russian ships are being continually monitored in a co-ordinated response between the Royal Navy, RAF and our NATO partners. "As an island nation, the security of the seas around our coastline is vital and this sort of task is routine business for HMS St Albans and the Royal Navy, which stands ready at all times. The ship measures the length of three football pitches and weighs a staggering the 58,000-tonnes. Last year, crew members Ivan Akenchenkov, 51, and Sergey Ovsienko, 30, and Oleg Sosedov, 21, who served on the aircraft carrier, were reported missing during a Russian attack in Kharkiv. Advertisement Oleg is now reported to have died during an attack in Kharkiv on July 23. His mother Natasha Simbirtseva has been told by fellow servicemen that he had been killed. She said: 'He has not been in touch since July 21. 'He was seen alive on July 23, and has not been seen since. Advertisement 'But there is a fellow soldier who confirmed that the two [dead] are my son Oleg Sosedov and Dmitry Teplukhin [another seaman].' The desperate mother said: 'No official information has come. 'The commanders are not calling and are not reporting any information.' She slammed the 'complete inaction' of top brass in failing to search for missing men on they battlefield and repatriate the corpses of fallen fighters. Advertisement 'It's ****ed up that fighters are being sent from our only aircraft carrier to storm a village in the Kharkiv region,' she raged. 7 Oleg Sosedov reportedly died after being sent from the warship to Ukraine 7 The ship was inherited by the Kremlin from the USSR and has a history of malfunctions Credit: East2West 7 It underwent repairs in 2018 after a trip to Syria and its future has remained 'unclear' ever since Credit: East2West
The Irish Sun
3 days ago
- General
- The Irish Sun
Putin's ONLY rustbucket aircraft carrier that limped through Channel in pathetic show of force ‘to finally be scrapped'
VLADIMIR Putin's only rustbucket aircraft carrier that struggled through the Channel is poised to be scrapped after seven years of failed repairs. Work on the hulking 7 Russian aircraft carrier Admiral Kuznetsov in the English Channel Credit: EPA 7 The rust bucket is said to be doomed for the scrap heap Credit: AFP or licensors 7 The vessel has been dubbed Putin's 'Ship of Shame' Credit: Reuters 7 It's believed the rust bucket - Former Pacific Fleet commander Admiral Sergey Avakyants applauded the decision to cease repairs, calling He said today: 'The aircraft carrier is already a fading era. Read more on World 'It is a very expensive and inefficient naval weapon. 'The future belongs to carriers of robotic complexes and unmanned aviation. 'If the decision is made not to continue repairs the Admiral Kuznetsov should just be taken, cut up for scrap, and disposed of." The ship was inherited by the Most read in The US Sun According to the report, it underwent repairs in 2018 after a trip to Syria and its future has remained "unclear" ever since. Reports said: 'Misfortunes continue to haunt the heavy aircraft carrier Admiral Kuznetsov, the only aircraft carrier in the Russian fleet that the Kremlin inherited from the USSR. Second huge cargo ship is attacked and SUNK by Houthi rebels in deadly Red Sea raid 'Having been put under repair in 2018 after a voyage to the shores of Syria, Admiral Kuznetsov was never able to return to service on time, and its future remains unclear.' The It used to carry up to 28 planes (Su-33 and MiG-29) and 17 helicopters (Ka-52K and Ka-27), and was armed with P-700 Granit missiles. But in 2019 and 2022, the vessel was struck by two separate fires whilst undergoing works - causing millions of pounds worth of damage. When the Admiral Kuznetsov came to the English Channel The Admiral Kuznetsov "sulked" past the UK on its way back to Russia from Syria in 2017. UK Defence Secretary Michael Fallon dubbed the carrier a "ship of shame" as the vessel and its task group was escorted by a Royal Navy frigate and jets. Britain sent HMS St Albans and Typhoon fighters to monitor the ship and "provide reassurance" to countries bordering the North Sea and English Channel. Fallon said: "We are man-marking these vessels every step of the way around the UK as part of our steadfast commitment to keep Britain safe." Cmdr Chris Ansell, in command of HMS St Albans, said: 'This tasking demonstrates the Royal Navy's commitment to protecting our home waters and readiness to undertake short notice operations. 'The movements of the Russian ships are being continually monitored in a co-ordinated response between the Royal Navy, RAF and our NATO partners. "As an island nation, the security of the seas around our coastline is vital and this sort of task is routine business for HMS St Albans and the Royal Navy, which stands ready at all times. The ship measures the length of three football pitches and weighs a staggering the 58,000-tonnes. Last year, crew members Ivan Akenchenkov, 51, and Sergey Ovsienko, 30, and Oleg Sosedov, 21, who served on the aircraft carrier, were reported missing during a Russian attack in Kharkiv. Oleg is now reported to have died during an attack in Kharkiv on July 23. His mother Natasha Simbirtseva has been told by fellow servicemen that he had been killed. She said: 'He has not been in touch since July 21. 'He was seen alive on July 23, and has not been seen since. 'But there is a fellow soldier who confirmed that the two [dead] are my son Oleg Sosedov and Dmitry Teplukhin [another seaman].' The desperate mother said: 'No official information has come. 'The commanders are not calling and are not reporting any information.' She slammed the 'complete inaction' of top brass in failing to search for missing men on they battlefield and repatriate the corpses of fallen fighters. 'It's ****ed up that fighters are being sent from our only aircraft carrier to storm a village in the Kharkiv region,' she raged. 7 Oleg Sosedov reportedly died after being sent from the warship to Ukraine 7 The ship was inherited by the Kremlin from the USSR and has a history of malfunctions Credit: East2West 7 It underwent repairs in 2018 after a trip to Syria and its future has remained 'unclear' ever since Credit: East2West
